Starcraft MX 25 R

When it comes to comfort and relaxation on the water, a pontoon boat is difficult to beat.

But not all manufacturers have mastered baking the right amount of luxury, comfort and performance into a reasonably affordable package. Bucking that trend last year, Starcraft introduced its MX 25 R  — a super comfortable, luxury-packed, high-performance pontoon that can be had for under $60,000.

Inside the fencing, Starcraft has gone all-out providing a generous layout with the capacity to relax and entertain up to 14 people. The highlight of the “R” series is the four expansive lounges that sit at each corner of the boat, all wrapped in sumptuous, buttery vinyl and fitted with cushy pillow-top seatbacks. Each can be used as regular sit-down seating or as forward- or aft-facing chaise lounges. Behind and adjacent to the helm, to port, are individual swiveling captain’s chairs to round out the seating options. Opt in for the Prestige package and you’ll enjoy touch-screen controls at the helm, along with a bevy of other high-end features.  

Though a 200-hp Yamaha F200 four-stroke outboard is the most common power plant setup on the MX 25 R, you can opt for 300 ponies on the stern, courtesy of Yamaha’s big-bore F300 V6 outboard. Upgrading to this engine requires upping the ante and ticking the options checkbox for the HMX PR25 performance package. This package adds a PR25 center tube, performance shield, lifting strakes on all tubes and upgraded steering. The result is handling and cornering performance that rivals many traditional V-bottom fiberglass boats. Oh, and that Yamaha F300 will push the MX 25 R well into the mid-40 mph range with ease.

Steve Huber with Starcraft Marine says, “The MX 25 R is a true luxury pontoon with the practical pontoon buyer in mind. High-end features include soft-touch vinyl, a full fiberglass console with a full complement of chrome-accented gauges, a high back helm chair and a full, extended deck. Wraparound rear loungers that allow you to sit backwards and forwards maximize the seating capacity in the boat, and the extended platform creates a huge rear deck, perfect for swimming and water sport activities off the back of the boat.”